UXpeditious: A UserZoom Podcast

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/4370dIB ----------------------- Got a question? Want to recommend a guest? Or do you want to tell me how the show can be better?  Send me a voice message via email at podcast@usertesting.com ----------------------- In this episode of Insights Unlocked, we're joined by Alita Kendrick, a UX researcher at Google leading accessibility research for the Google Cloud Platform and exploring new market opportunities. Alita discusses how generative AI is revolutionizing UX workflows—from streamlining planning docs to accelerating qualitative data analysis. Host Michael Domanic and Alita dive into how tools like Gemini, ChatGPT, and UserTesting's AI features are cutting research time in half and giving researchers back the space to focus on strategy, storytelling, and democratizing insights across organizations. Alita also shares real-world use cases, common pitfalls to avoid when starting with AI, and how AI can even help uncover your own unconscious biases. Whether you're a seasoned UX researcher or just starting to integrate AI into your work, this episode is packed with practical advice, inspiration, and a look at what the future holds for AI-powered research. Key topics discussed: How Alita uses AI throughout the research lifecycle—from planning to analysis Time savings and operational efficiencies achieved through AI tools Creative tools like NotebookLM, Claude, and Midjourney in UX workflows How to prompt AI effectively and avoid common early mistakes Balancing AI outputs with critical thinking and business context The role of AI in democratizing research and surfacing legacy insights Personal reflections on AI adoption, experimentation, and optimism for its future Resources & Links: Alita on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alita-kendrick/) Michael on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldomanic/) Alita's author site on NNG (https://www.nngroup.com/people/alita-kendrick/) Alita's Efficient UX course on NNG (https://www.nngroup.com/courses/efficient-ux/) Learn more about Insights Unlocked: https://www.usertesting.com/podcast

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/3S1wxq4 ----------------------- Got a question? Want to recommend a guest? Or do you want to tell me how the show can be better?  Send me a voice message via email at podcast@usertesting.com ----------------------- In this episode of Insights Unlocked, we sit down with Jessica Schultz, senior manager of experience research at BECU, to explore how one of the largest credit unions in the U.S. built a member research panel that delivers powerful insights—quickly and securely. Jessica shares her unique career journey from front-line teller to UX research leader and walks us through the end-to-end process of launching BECU's custom member panel. She breaks down the strategic decisions behind the panel's creation, including navigating legal and security requirements, coordinating with marketing teams, and aligning with product and design stakeholders. We also dive into: The pivotal moment that led Jessica to pursue UX research Why BECU chose to create its own panel over traditional recruiting methods Lessons learned in onboarding and coaching panel participants How the panel supports a culture of member obsession at BECU Tips for keeping participants engaged—and studies filled fast Key metrics used to evaluate panel success Jessica also offers advice for other organizations thinking about building their own custom panels, from setting realistic expectations to creating inclusive and positive participant experiences. Resources & Links: Connect with Jessica Schultz on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-schultz-05187a48/) BECU (https://www.becu.org/) Connect with Becky Wright on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/becky-w-795b29124/) Learn more about Insights Unlocked: https://www.usertesting.com/podcast

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/4d2nCOx ----------------------- Got a question? Want to recommend a guest? Or do you want to tell me how the show can be better?  Send me a voice message via email at podcast@usertesting.com ----------------------- In this episode, UserTesting's Lija Hogan sits down with Jim Kalbach, Chief Evangelist at Mural and author of The Jobs to Be Done Playbook, to discuss how the “Jobs to Be Done” framework can transform UX and business strategy in today's growth-focused world. Jim unpacks how this mindset helps teams align around real customer needs and bridge the gap between design and business outcomes. He also shares insights on leveraging AI as a tool to enhance—not replace—human-centered research. Jim reflects on his career journey, his passion for experience mapping, and how reframing UX from a cost-saving function to a growth driver can earn teams greater influence in their organizations. Plus, he explains why empathy shouldn't stop at the customer—UX teams need to understand their business stakeholders just as deeply. Key takeaways: The evolution of jobs to be done from boardroom strategy to everyday design practice Why UX teams need to speak the language of business—and how the word “growth” can open doors How to gain executive buy-in by aligning with business goals and showing proof of impact Tips for using AI to support jobs-to-be-done research and scale customer insights The future of UX: creating more human-centric organizations by democratizing research mindsets Resources & Links: Connect with Jim Kalback on LinkedIn Jim's JTBD Playbook and Mapping Experiences books Mural Connect with Lija Hogan on LinkedIn Learn more about Insights Unlocked: usertesting.com/podcast

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/3YTrCuW ----------------------- Got a question? Want to recommend a guest? Or do you want to tell me how the show can be better?  Send me a voice message via email at podcast@usertesting.com ----------------------- In this episode of Insights Unlocked, UserTesting CMO Johann Wrede chats with Udi Ledergor, former CMO and current Chief Evangelist at Gong, and author of Courageous Marketing. Udi shares why bold, differentiated marketing beats "best practices" every time—and how marketers can unlock extraordinary results by giving themselves permission to stand out. Drawing from his own nontraditional career path from magician and musician to marketing leader, Udi explains why simply following industry norms creates a "sea of sameness." He unpacks strategies for building trust with sales, the critical importance of aligning marketing metrics to real business outcomes, and how to thoughtfully invest in brand marketing—even when budgets are tight. Whether you're just starting out or leading a large marketing team, this episode offers candid, actionable advice for becoming a more courageous marketer, building iconic brands, and driving measurable impact. Why following marketing "best practices" leads to ordinary results How courageous marketing stands out and drives growth Practical tips for building trust and alignment between marketing and sales How to measure brand investments creatively when ROI isn't immediate Smart ways to manage marketing experiments with limited budgets Career advice for marketers at every stage—from entry-level to CMO Resources & Links: Connect with Udi on LinkedIn Udi's new book: Courageous Marketing Udi's website Gong Connect with Johann Wrede on LinkedIn Learn more about Insights Unlocked: usertesting.com/podcast What you'll learn:

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/4400s9a ----------------------- Got a question? Want to recommend a guest? Or do you want to tell me how the show can be better?  Send me a voice message via email at podcast@usertesting.com ----------------------- In this episode of Insights Unlocked, Jason Giles, VP of Design at UserTesting, chats with Andrew Hogan, Head of Insights at Figma, about the evolving role of design in the AI era. Fresh off the release of Figma's 2025 AI Report, Andrew shares key takeaways from a survey of 2,500 designers and developers using AI in product development. The conversation covers how teams are shifting from experimentation to evaluating AI's real-world impact, why design is more crucial than ever for AI-powered products, and how successful teams are navigating the contradictions of rapid innovation. They also dive into the rise of agentic AI, the ongoing productivity vs. quality debate, and why tight design-dev collaboration is becoming non-negotiable. Whether you're building the next-gen user experience or exploring how AI fits into your workflow, this episode is packed with insights on making AI work for your team and your users. What you'll learn: Why 52% of builders say design is more important for AI products than traditional ones​ How agentic AI is emerging as the fastest-growing category—and what that means for UX The growing gap between AI's ability to speed up work and its impact on work quality Why “measured momentum” might best describe AI's trajectory in 2025 What high-performing teams do differently: iterate, collaborate, and stay flexible​ Resources & Links: Connect with Andrew Hogan on LinkedIn Andrew's Double Click blog post Connect with Jason Giles on LinkedIn Figma's 2025 AI Report: The year of AI at work Learn more about Insights Unlocked: usertesting.com/podcast

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/4jHDYyu ----------------------- Got a question? Want to recommend a guest? Or do you want to tell me how the show can be better?  Send me a voice message via email at podcast@usertesting.com ----------------------- In this episode of Insights Unlocked, Michael Domanic, Head of AI at UserTesting, sits down with Greg Shove, CEO of Section, to unpack what it truly means for businesses to embrace AI transformation. Greg shares his personal “aha” moment with generative AI, how it led him to pivot Section into an AI-centric business school, and why every executive should view AI as a strategic thought partner—not just a tool for marketers and engineers. From experimenting with AI as a boardroom simulator to identifying organizational resistance, Greg gets real about what's holding companies back from adopting AI effectively. He also offers practical advice for leaders navigating internal fears, outlines how businesses can build impactful AI pilots, and explains why creativity and experimentation are critical to unlocking AI's full potential. What you'll learn in this episode: Why Greg believes AI is the new cognitive edge for leaders The story behind Section's pivot to AI education Barriers to AI adoption, including fear, poor training, and restrictive data policies The difference between deploying AI tools and truly transforming workflows Why language-intensive roles are leading the charge in AI adoption The power of autonomous agents and what they mean for the future of customer experiences How to structure internal AI pilots that actually move the needle Who should lead AI transformation inside your organization—and the creative mindset they need Resources & Links: Connect with Greg Shove on LinkedIn Connect with Michael Domanic on LinkedIn Section School Greg's website Learn more about Insights Unlocked: usertesting.com/podcast

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/4l9JDil ----------------------- Got a question? Want to recommend a guest? Or do you want to tell me how the show can be better?  Send me a voice message via email at podcast@usertesting.com ----------------------- In this Insights Unlocked episode, UserTesting's Jason Giles sits down with Dane Howard, Vice President of Product Design at G2, for a powerful conversation on the intersection of storytelling, design leadership, and purposeful innovation. With a career that spans design leadership at Amazon, eBay, and Microsoft, Dane brings a wealth of experience—and a passion for creating human-centered experiences. Dane discusses how G2's visual customer journey map became a transformative internal tool, using storytelling metaphors like cities and theme parks to create clarity, alignment, and excitement across the organization. He also opens up about his personal “three-legged stool” approach to balancing full-time work, advocacy, and creative passion projects. Whether you're a product leader, UX professional, or design enthusiast, this episode offers actionable insights into how to keep your work rooted in purpose and aligned with customer needs—while also making space for your own growth and creativity. What you'll learn in this episode: Why storytelling is an essential leadership skill in design and CX How G2's customer journey map turned into a city-wide metaphor that boosted internal alignment Tips on keeping internal artifacts like journey maps alive and evolving The power of framing design work through the lens of customer experience How to balance career, passion projects, and mentorship with intentionality Resources & Links: Connect with Dane Howard on LinkedIn Connect with Jason Giles on LinkedIn G2.com danehoward.com Dane's LinkedIn article on G2's Customer Journey Mapping project Learn more about Insights Unlocked: usertesting.com/podcast

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/4l9JDil ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- In this episode of Insights Unlocked, we're joined by Regina DeMars, Director of Content Marketing and Social Media Strategy at First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO). With over 167 years of history, FNBO is one of the largest privately held banks in the U.S.—but that doesn't stop them from thinking innovatively about customer engagement in the digital age. Regina shares how her team is transforming traditional banking touchpoints into rich, multi-channel experiences that prioritize customer trust, education, and community. From using employee storytelling to humanize financial topics, to tailoring content for platform-specific audiences, FNBO's approach is as strategic as it is personal. You'll hear how Regina and her team: Leverage real-time customer insights to guide content creation Build trust by consistently showing up with relevant, value-driven messaging Use content personalization to meet customers where they are—both in life and in channel Connect with younger generations through social-first campaigns like the “Be Kind” mural initiative Balance brand consistency with creative freedom across platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and blogs Whether you're in financial services or not, this episode is packed with practical ideas on how to scale content without losing your brand's human touch. Guest: Regina DeMars, Director of Content Marketing & Social Media Strategy, FNBO Host: Cornelia Klimek, Group Product Manager, UserTesting Producer: Nathan Isaacs, Senior Manager, Content Production, UserTesting Resources & Links: Connect with Regina on LinkedIn Connect with Cornelia on LinkedIn Explore FNBO's content and campaigns on Instagram and YouTube Learn more about Insights Unlocked: usertesting.com/podcast

Episode web page: https://tinyurl.com/2b3dz2z8 ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- In this episode of Insights Unlocked, we explore the evolving landscape of omnichannel strategies with Kate MacCabe, founder of Flywheel Strategy. With nearly two decades of experience in digital strategy and product management, Kate shares her insights on bridging internal silos, leveraging customer insights, and designing omnichannel experiences that truly resonate. From the early days of DTC growth to today's complex, multi-touchpoint customer journeys, Kate explains why omnichannel is no longer optional—it's essential. She highlights a standout example from Anthropologie, demonstrating how brands can create a unified customer experience across digital and physical spaces. Whether you're a marketing leader, UX strategist, or product manager, this episode is packed with actionable advice on aligning teams, integrating user feedback, and building a future-proof omnichannel strategy. Key Takeaways: ✅ Omnichannel vs. Multichannel: Many brands think they're omnichannel, but they're really just multichannel. Kate breaks down the difference and how to shift toward true integration. ✅ Anthropologie's Success Story: Learn how this brand seamlessly blended physical and digital experiences to create a memorable, data-driven customer journey. ✅ User Feedback is the Secret Weapon: Discover how continuous user testing—before, during, and after a launch—helps brands fine-tune their strategies and avoid costly mistakes. ✅ Aligning Teams for Success: Cross-functional collaboration is critical. Kate shares tips on breaking down silos between marketing, product, and development teams. ✅ Emerging Tech & Omnichannel: Instead of chasing the latest tech trends, Kate advises businesses to define their strategic goals first—then leverage AI, AR, and other innovations to enhance the customer experience. Quotes from the Episode:

Episode web page: https://tinyurl.com/45pcxtn9 How can businesses move beyond traditional SEO rankings to create a truly engaging and high-converting user experience? In this episode of Insights Unlocked, host Nathan Isaacs sits down with Georgia Tan, co-founder of Switch Key Digital, to discuss the future of search and the rise of Search Experience Optimization (SXO). Georgia shares how SXO integrates SEO, user experience (UX), and conversion rate optimization (CRO) to create a holistic search strategy that not only ranks well but also delivers meaningful engagement and conversions. As AI-driven search and multi-platform visibility become critical, Georgia explains why focusing on the user journey is the key to future-proofing your search strategy. She also walks us through real-world case studies, practical steps for businesses looking to shift toward SXO, and how to measure success beyond traditional keyword rankings. Tune in to learn: What Search Experience Optimization (SXO) is and how it differs from traditional SEO Why integrating UX and CRO is essential for long-term search success How AI-driven search and evolving user behaviors are shaping SEO in 2025 Actionable strategies to improve organic traffic and engagement Key metrics and a balanced scorecard approach to measure SXO success Real-world examples of businesses that boosted conversions with SXO

Episode web page: https://tinyurl.com/bdht76ck ----------------------- In this episode of Insights Unlocked, we explore how marketing, UX, and customer experience teams can collaborate to craft impactful, data-driven strategies. Our guests—Emily Carrion, CMO at Entrepreneurs'​ Organization; Katie Karr, a Senior User Experience Designer at Workiva; and Kristy Morrison, Director of Digital Marketing at F5,—share insights on cutting through digital noise, optimizing messaging, and leveraging user testing to create seamless experiences that drive business success. What you'll learn in this episode: The marketing challenge – Why understanding customer needs remains the foundation of great marketing, even as digital channels become increasingly noisy​. UX as a marketing advantage – How UX research and design play a critical role in communicating value to potential customers, especially since 80% of SaaS buyers research before speaking with sales​. The role of testing – How teams can use customer insights, A/B testing, and analytics (quant + qual) to optimize messaging, improve conversions, and enhance brand clarity​. Cross-team collaboration – Why breaking down silos between marketing, UX, product, and content teams leads to better customer experiences and stronger business impact​. Key Quotes from Our Guests:

Episode web page: https://tinyurl.com/ywpva5x5 ----------------------- In this Insights Unlocked episode, host Michael Domanic sits down with Jack Mitchell, Head of Product and Operations at Zigzag, the #1 puppy training app. Jack shares how his team built Ziggy, an AI-powered virtual puppy trainer designed to provide personalized, science-backed training advice at scale. Jack explains that scalability was a major challenge for the certified B-Corp startup. Originally, Zigzag provided WhatsApp chat support with real dog trainers, but as the company grew, this wasn't sustainable. They needed a way to offer science-backed, consistent training advice while still maintaining the personal touch that users valued​. Additionally, user behavior played a key role in the decision to develop an AI-powered chat. Zigzag found many customers hesitated to ask simple questions because they didn't want to bother a human trainer—even though they were paying for the service. AI eliminated this friction by making users feel more comfortable asking quick, everyday training questions​. Zigzag is continuously refining Ziggy's AI model based on user feedback, with a 96% positive rating of the feature. "Trust is key," Jack said. "Users need to know they're getting the right advice—every time." Looking ahead, Jack said they aim to expand Ziggy's capabilities and explore how AI can further improve the pet training experience. "The goal is to keep making the AI better, smarter, and more useful for puppy parents everywhere," he said. Key Takeaways:

Episode web page: https://tinyurl.com/2p9rbkfu ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- In this week's Insights Unlocked, we look back at three past episodes discussing the importance of smart content—that strategically crafted, user-focused content that adapts to audience needs, enhances customer experience, and drives engagement through clarity and relevance. Industry experts Bobbie Wood, Natalie Dunbar, and Kelly Erickson share insights on the impact of well-crafted content, the power of user testing, and the evolving role of AI in UX writing. Whether you're in marketing, CX, or UX, you'll gain valuable takeaways on how content strategy can elevate your brand and improve the way customers interact with your products and services. Key Topics & Takeaways: 1. The Power of Content in Customer Experience Successful companies prioritize clear, user-friendly content to drive engagement and loyalty. Content strategy isn't just about writing—it's about delivering the right message at the right time in the right format. Microcopy, such as button text and CTAs, can make or break user engagement. 2. The Importance of Content Testing & User Research A/B testing and usability studies are essential to understand how users interact with content. Testing must go beyond isolated elements—content should be evaluated across the entire user journey to ensure consistency. Observing user reactions, especially when they stop interacting, can reveal pain points that need to be addressed. 3. Balancing Brand Consistency with Personalization A strong brand voice ensures content remains consistent across channels while still adapting to different user needs. Marketers and UX teams should define voice and tone guidelines that allow flexibility for various contexts. The right balance between structured brand messaging and personalized user interactions enhances engagement. 4. AI's Growing Role in Content Creation AI tools can assist with content creation, but they lack the human empathy, nuance, and contextual understanding needed for great UX writing. The future of AI in UX writing is still evolving, and ethical concerns around AI-generated content must be considered. While AI can optimize workflows, human oversight remains crucial in crafting meaningful and relatable content. 5. Why Content Strategy Should Start Early in Projects Content strategists should be involved from the very beginning of product and experience design. Early collaboration ensures content aligns with user expectations, business goals, and overall design strategy. Mapping out content needs before development reduces the risk of last-minute changes and improves efficiency. Featured Guests:

Episode web page: https://tinyurl.com/4rymcmrs ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- In today's crowded digital world, standing out on LinkedIn is more challenging than ever. With users scrolling through 300 feet of content daily and 1.5 million pieces of content being engaged with every minute, how can marketers cut through the noise? In this episode, Nathan Isaacs sits down with Purna Virji, a LinkedIn marketing expert and author of High Impact Content Marketing, to discuss proven strategies for LinkedIn success. From blending organic and paid content to leveraging thought leadership and short-form video, Purna shares valuable insights on building engagement, trust, and brand loyalty on one of the world's most powerful professional platforms. Key Takeaways:

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/3CBgLhw ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- In this episode of Insights Unlocked, host Jason Giles sits down with Alastair Simpson, VP of Design at Dropbox, to discuss his non-traditional career journey, scaling design teams, and the evolution of remote work. Alastair shares key insights on fostering a strong design culture, navigating hypergrowth environments, and leveraging AI to enhance UX research. Tune in to learn how Dropbox's Virtual-First model is redefining collaboration, why outcomes matter more than process adherence, and how AI is reshaping design workflows. What You'll Learn in This Episode

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/3EGU4ZD ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- In this episode of Insights Unlocked, host Brent Leary sits down with Melissa Garber, Senior User Experience Researcher at Consumer Reports, to explore the evolving role of AI in UX research and how it's shaping consumer interactions. From developing an in-house conversational AI agent to tackling data privacy concerns, Melissa shares insights on how research can proactively shape AI tools rather than just react to them. She also dives into the challenges of AI adoption, maintaining brand trust, and how understanding consumer journeys is more complex than ever.

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/4aP37nC ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- In this episode of Insights Unlocked, Michelle Engle sits down with Andy O'Dower, Twilio's VP of Product Management, to dive into the company's game-changing approach to customer communication. From simplifying complex communication systems for developers to using AI to deliver personalized experiences, Twilio is leading the way in reshaping how businesses engage with their customers. Andy shares how Twilio's platform enables real-time, omnichannel communication at a massive global scale, helping brands create trusted, seamless, and smart interactions. He also sheds light on how advancements in conversational AI, sentiment analysis, and voice intelligence are revolutionizing customer engagement and support. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How Twilio empowers developers with simple APIs to integrate voice, video, email, and messaging capabilities. How AI tools like transcription, sentiment analysis, and virtual agents are redefining customer experiences. Why trust and privacy are essential in building AI-driven communication systems. The role of autonomous agents in creating personalized, frictionless interactions with customers. Twilio's vision for the future of customer engagement, with AI and data at its core.

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/4h5CI79 ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- In this special episode, recorded live at The Human Insights Summit in October, Amy Stillman, VP of Design at Cedar, and Logan Hartline, Senior Director of UX at HCA Healthcare, talk with host Lija Hogan from UserTesting about how healthcare leaders use storytelling and AI to improve UX, align stakeholders, and transform patient experiences. The episode focused on innovation and user experience (UX) in healthcare, emphasizing collaboration, insights, and the integration of AI. Key Themes: Collaboration and Success Stories: Amy shared Cedar's efforts in creating tools to help patients identify Medicaid eligibility, simplifying a typically cumbersome process. The project highlighted the emotional and psychological barriers users face and how digital solutions can foster a more accessible and empathetic experience. Logan discussed a UX project improving emergency department operations. By shadowing staff and observing real-life workflows, the team uncovered critical design insights about the conflicting color codes across different systems, leading to improved coordination. AI and Innovation: Both leaders highlighted AI's role in their organizations. Logan described how predictive analytics are helping anticipate staffing needs in labor and delivery, balancing efficiency with human oversight. Amy discussed leveraging AI in call centers to improve data accuracy and reduce staff workload. By analyzing tone and call content, they enhanced both operational efficiency and patient satisfaction while maintaining sensitivity to user tolerance for AI interactions. The Power of Insights and Storytelling: Both speakers emphasized the importance of qualitative research and storytelling in aligning stakeholders and driving change. Using patient narratives and highlight reels, they built urgency and alignment among decision-makers, demonstrating the tangible impact of UX insights. Advice for UX Practitioners: Logan advised starting small with curiosity-driven research and democratizing UX practices within teams. Amy stressed the importance of aligning UX goals with measurable metrics that resonate with stakeholders, particularly in healthcare's data-driven environment.

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/40y13N5 ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- In this special episode, recorded live from THiS 2024, we explore the biggest challenges women face in today's workplace and the actionable steps needed to drive change. Our panel of inspiring women leaders dives into the persistent gender pay gap, the lack of leadership representation, the importance of mentorship and sponsorship, and achieving a sustainable work-family balance. From tips on negotiating salaries to navigating career growth with intentionality, this conversation offers practical advice and powerful insights for women looking to thrive in tech—and for organizations striving to create more equitable workplaces. Whether you're a leader, mentor, or someone starting your career, this episode provides valuable takeaways to help you advocate for yourself, build meaningful connections, and craft the career you want. Panelists included: Stacy Sherman, author and advisor, Doing CX Right Alita Joyce, UX Researcher at Google Cloud  Monique Lalonde, Director, Product Design at REI Lija Hogan, Principal, Experience Research Strategy at UserTesting What You'll Learn in This Episode How to address the gender pay gap with practical negotiation strategies and pay equity policies. Why leadership representation matters and how to position yourself for growth. The critical role of mentorship and how to build relationships that empower your career. How to balance career and family with the right support systems and mindset. The power of asking for opportunities, setting goals, and creating your own communities for support. Key Topics Discussed Gender Pay Gap Women earn 84% of what men earn—how can we close this gap? Negotiation tips and strategies for pay equity. Leadership Representation How to find companies that prioritize women in leadership roles. Practical advice for setting and communicating leadership goals. Mentorship and Sponsorship The difference between mentors and sponsors—and why both matter. Proactive steps to find mentors and build supportive professional networks. Work-Family Balance Why it's not about choosing “either-or”—you can thrive in both work and family life. Insights into planning and creating a sustainable support system.

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/4gFlEVz ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- Episode Summary: In this episode of Insights Unlocked, host Nathan Isaacs chats with Kuldeep Kelkar, partner at UXReactor, seasoned UX researcher, and author of Strengthen Your User Research Superpowers. Kuldeep shares his journey through 25+ years in user research, his experiences shaping the industry, and how his new book is designed to empower researchers to amplify their influence within organizations. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The evolution of user research from a niche function to a critical part of product development. Key challenges faced by UX researchers, including gaining influence, communicating value, and driving business impact. How Kuldeep's book provides practical, actionable skills in the form of "superpowers" to help researchers navigate these challenges. Why addressing sample size questions can be an opportunity to educate and build credibility. Highlights: Kuldeep's Career Journey: From being one of the first researchers at PayPal in 2004 to his leadership role at UX Reactor. About the Book: Kuldeep's book is structured like a deck of 52 cards, each focused on strengthening specific "superpowers" researchers need to succeed. Favorite Superpower: Learn why "sample size" is a topic Kuldeep now approaches with confidence and excitement. AI in UX Research: Insights into how AI tools like ChatGPT are being integrated into research and design processes, and the current limitations of AI-driven efficiencies. Industry Trends: Discover how budget constraints and resource cuts are influencing organizations' approaches to UX and the growing demand for outsourced expertise. Customer Feedback in Action: A surprising story of how Kuldeep's advice helped a client rethink usability testing timelines. Rapid-Fire Fun: Kuldeep shares his favorite word ("research"), a dream career (astrophysicist), and what role he'd take in a restaurant (chef—despite not cooking!). Memorable Quote: "The biggest challenge for researchers isn't conducting research—it's gaining influence and driving outcomes within their organizations." – Kuldeep Kelkar

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/4gFlEVz ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- In this episode, Michael Dominic, Head of AI at UserTesting, and Mike Mace, a seasoned tech industry veteran, delve into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on the workplace. From the evolution of AI to strategies for effective implementation, they explore how organizations can harness this powerful technology to drive productivity, innovation, and competitive advantage. Key Takeaways: The Two Waves of AI Hype: Explore the rise and fall of conversational AI tools during the first hype cycle (2015–2019). Learn how OpenAI's ChatGPT launched the second wave of rapid adoption in 2022. AI Adoption at a Glance: 66% of knowledge workers globally use generative AI tools like ChatGPT, making this the fastest adoption of a major tech product in history. Despite high adoption rates, only 20% of users maximize AI's potential as a daily productivity tool. Challenges in AI Integration: A significant gap in training leaves most users underutilizing AI. Companies must implement deliberate training and governance to reap the full benefits. Humanizing AI Interactions: Discover how users judge AI chatbots like they would human interactions—emphasizing tone, phrasing, and emotional resonance. Understand the importance of aligning AI interactions with brand voice and values. Strategies for Success: Choose the right AI model for your business needs. Set clear data governance policies to ensure security and compliance. Establish training programs to help employees integrate AI into their workflows effectively. Treat AI as a partner in strategy, not just a task-oriented tool. Actionable Insights: For Leaders: Empower your teams with AI training and clear guidelines to unlock its full productivity potential. For Product Teams: Test AI features for usability and emotional resonance to ensure they align with user expectations and your brand identity. For Organizations: View AI as an opportunity for competitive differentiation, not just a security challenge.

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/408ltw2 ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- In this episode of Insights Unlocked, host Nathan Isaacs talks with Mike McDowell, Senior Solutions Consultant at UserTesting, about his role, his new book Demotainment: The Art of Delivering Demos That Engage, Inspire, and Drive Results, and his approach to crafting compelling product demonstrations. Key Highlights: Role at UserTesting: Mike describes his role as a platform expert, guiding clients on effectively utilizing UserTesting's tools. He supports sales processes and helps teams maximize value by aligning the platform with their business goals​. The Concept of Demotainment: Mike explains how his background in theater inspired him to transform product demonstrations into performances that captivate audiences. His philosophy emphasizes bringing energy, personalizing demos, and engaging customers​. Writing the Book: The book stemmed from a popular presentation Mike gave at Demo Fest. Encouraged by the reception, he expanded his ideas into a LinkedIn article and eventually a book. He shares the iterative writing process, from drafting chapters based on his presentation to weaving in anecdotes and pop culture references to make the book lively and relatable​. Impact on Sales Teams: The book aims to help sales professionals make their demonstrations more personalized and engaging, ultimately boosting success rates. Mike offers strategies for tailoring demos even with limited preparation​. Behind-the-Scenes of Writing: Mike talks about the discipline and creativity required to write a book while managing a busy schedule. He reveals how revisiting his material and getting reader feedback improved both his writing and professional approach to demos​.

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/3VNnj2G ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- In this episode of Insights Unlocked, host Kerry Johnstone welcomes Veronica Bogdacenco, Channel and Optimization Manager at Tide, a leading UK-based fintech company. Veronica shares her expertise in blending marketing insights with UX strategies to create seamless and effective user experiences. She delves into the challenges of maintaining agility in a fast-growing company, creative approaches to user testing, and how AI is reshaping UX research. From her innovative weekend testing methods to leveraging in-app notifications for user feedback, Veronica provides actionable tips for product teams navigating growth and tight deadlines. She also highlights the importance of quick, iterative research to de-risk decisions and ensure clarity in regulated industries like finance. Whether you're a UX researcher, product manager, or designer, this episode is packed with practical advice for building user-centric products efficiently. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Blending Marketing and UX: How to use qualitative and quantitative data for deeper customer insights. Maintaining Agility in a Growing Organization: Veronica's methods for decentralizing UX research and streamlining processes. Innovative Testing Techniques: The power of weekend tests, external testers, and in-app notifications to gather feedback without disrupting workflows. AI in UX Research: How AI can enhance UX processes by automating tasks like feedback summaries and detecting emotional responses. Working in Regulated Industries: Key considerations for ensuring clarity and transparency in customer-facing designs. Scaling UX Practices: Strategies to embed UX testing into workflows as teams and product portfolios expand.

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/3OQ2f80 ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- Show Notes In this episode of Insights Unlocked, host Blair Fraser sits down with Dr. Sam Howard, Head of UX at Curio, to explore how AI is transforming the way people consume news. From Sam's unique career journey—from academia to consulting to leading UX at a forward-thinking company—to Curio's mission of fixing fragmented and overwhelming news experiences, this conversation dives into the heart of user-centric design and AI innovation. Discover how Curio balances cutting-edge AI with trusted sources to deliver meaningful solutions, the challenges of creating archetypes in a rapidly evolving tech landscape, and why robust discovery research is more critical than ever. If you're a UX researcher, designer, or product leader navigating the intersection of user experience and AI, this episode is packed with actionable insights and forward-thinking strategies. Key Themes & Highlights: The Power of User-Centered Design: Why embedding user insights at the start of product design leads to better outcomes. Sam's approach to understanding and addressing user frustrations with traditional news platforms. AI in UX Research: How Curio blends AI personalization with reliable sources to maintain trust. The "Many Wizards of Oz" method: A groundbreaking approach to simulating AI experiences in user research. Tackling Behavioral Archetypes: Why Curio focuses on early adopters and behavioral archetypes instead of rigid personas. Addressing news avoidance and user anxiety through design thinking. Driving Impact in Organizations: How to align qualitative user research with quantitative data to influence stakeholders. Using video storytelling as a tool for fostering empathy and buy-in from business leaders. Future of UX and AI: The need to evolve UX methodologies for non-linear, AI-driven user journeys. Balancing transparency and value when communicating AI's role to end users.

Episode web page: https://bit.ly/3Vlc2q8 ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- Episode show notes In this episode of Insights Unlocked, host Lija Hogan speaks with Kate Towsey, a leading voice in research operations, author of Research That Scales, and founder of the Cha-Cha Club for research ops professionals. Kate takes us through her fascinating journey to becoming a trailblazer in research operations. Along the way, she highlights the transformative power of systems thinking and strategic scaling in the evolving field of research. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The Evolution of Research Ops: How research operations has grown from an overlooked role to a critical component of organizational strategy. Why nuanced job descriptions and specialized roles are becoming the norm in research ops. Scaling Research with Systems Thinking: The importance of scalable systems that create value efficiently rather than simply expanding headcount. How strategic thinking can prioritize impactful research aligned with organizational goals. Building Trust and Embedding Culture: Why trust is foundational for research outcomes to be accepted and acted upon. The cultural impact of well-integrated research tools and practices on organizational learning. Knowledge Management in Research: The contrast between collaborative "campfires" of learning and structured libraries for long-term access and utility. Practical advice for implementing effective research knowledge management strategies. The Role of AI in Research: How AI can enhance research operations, provided organizations foster trust in these technologies.

Episode web page ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- Show Notes Join host Mike McDowell as he welcomes Ludvig Fichte, Staff User Researcher, and Rajiv Pandya, Senior Product Designer, both from Mozilla, to explore the fascinating world of UX research and its impact on product design. In this episode, they break down Mozilla's approach to user research and benchmarking studies, revealing how insights drive innovation for Firefox Mobile and beyond. What You'll Learn in This Episode How UX Research Shapes Product Design: Discover the critical role research plays in creating intuitive, user-friendly designs and how Mozilla translates insights into action. Benchmarking in Action: Learn how Mozilla compares Firefox to competitors like Chrome, Safari, and Brave, and how task-based benchmarking reveals areas for improvement. Designing for Familiarity and Innovation: Hear how Mozilla balances maintaining familiar design patterns with pushing the boundaries of usability. The Iterative Nature of UX: Explore why UX research is never "finished" and how continuous testing helps adapt to evolving user needs. Episode Links: Download Firefox – Experience the latest in browser innovation. Mozilla Blog – Stay updated on Mozilla's projects and initiatives. Acorn Design System – Dive into Firefox's design approach. Research at Mozilla – Explore Mozilla's research-focused initiatives. Ludwig Fichte on LinkedIn Aarjav Pandya on LinkedIn Mike McDowell on LinkedIn

In this episode of Insights Unlocked,UserTesting's Sean Treiser sits down with Neeraj Ramesh, Executive Producer of Giving Experiences at Givelify, a mobile and online platform for charitable donations that has empowered over 1.5 million people to give more than $5 billion to causes they care about. Neeraj shares the story of Givelify's journey from a simple idea sparked in church to a powerful tool reshaping the future of giving. Together, they explore the strategies and philosophies that make Givelify stand out, from leveraging user feedback to creating features that genuinely connect with the emotional and practical needs of donors. Neeraj discusses how Givelify listens to its users to develop features that foster trust and encourage consistent giving, all while balancing the needs of donors and charitable organizations. Key Themes: The Birth of Givelify: Givelify's origin story is rooted in a moment of missed opportunity and inspiration, sparking the idea of a platform that would make charitable giving easy and accessible for anyone with a mobile device. User-Centered Design and Trust: Givelify puts donor trust at the forefront, emphasizing data security, transparent processes, and visual cues like familiar faces to help donors feel safe and assured in their giving. Emotional Connection in UX: Givelify's approach goes beyond technical ease; they aim to create an experience that captures the “warm glow” of giving, ensuring donors feel positive and connected with each gift. Innovation in loyalty programs: Neeraj introduces Champions of Good, the first loyalty program in the giving sector, which rewards donors for consistent giving. The feature encourages engagement based on frequency rather than amount, supporting people's desire to give at their own pace. Iterative development with user feedback: Givelify uses insights from UserTesting to understand both new and familiar users, continuously refining features to serve donors better. Testing has revealed valuable insights, such as the potential pitfalls of certain features like “Giving Streaks,” which needed careful adjustment to avoid discouraging users. Balancing stakeholder needs: Neeraj emphasizes the importance of prioritizing donors, even as Givelify works with a wide range of stakeholders, from religious organizations to nonprofits. Features are designed to empower donors while keeping the act of giving meaningful and fulfilling.

Episode web page -----------------------

Episode web page ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- Show Notes In this episode, we welcome Sharbani Dhar, a leading voice in customer experience design and founder of dotinfinity. She joins host Louis Granger to discuss the evolving role of design and AI in shaping meaningful customer journeys. With a career rooted in UX leadership, Sharbani brings a strategic, customer-first approach to AI, moving beyond the common “tech-first” mentality that often misses the mark on delivering real business value. Sharbani shares how dotinfinity was founded on the idea that design and research should be central to solving complex customer challenges, not just surface-level enhancements. She highlights the Responsible AI Canvas her team developed, which guides organizations in responsibly adopting AI with a human-centered lens. The conversation covers actionable insights into aligning AI with core business goals, the importance of employee engagement, and why effective AI implementation requires a focus on problem-solving, not just technology. Key themes and ideas: 1. Moving from transactional design to strategic influence Sharbani explains how design and research are often undervalued, perceived as transactional rather than strategic. She advocates for the integration of design as a driver of business outcomes and deeper customer connections. Quote: "It's not just about making things look good – it's about creating meaningful experiences that shape customer journeys and drive business results." 2. Responsible AI adoption: human-centric, problem-first AI implementation is more than adopting the latest tech trends; it requires a problem-first approach to identify where AI can genuinely solve challenges and deliver ROI. Sharbani introduces her team's Responsible AI Canvas, a three-step framework that helps organizations assess AI readiness, align technology with KPIs, and execute responsibly. Tip: Align AI initiatives with real organizational goals and assess readiness across people, infrastructure, and governance. 3. Building an AI-empowered workforce AI implementation requires both the right tech and the right people. Sharbani stresses training and workforce alignment, so employees not only support AI initiatives but grow with them. The episode highlights Australian government guidelines that Infinity follows: Responsible AI Training, Data & Governance Training, and Diversity & Fairness Training, each critical to minimizing biases and fostering ethical AI. 4. Effective metrics beyond NPS Sharbani shares her skepticism of Net Promoter Score (NPS) as a metric, noting it often fails to capture real customer satisfaction or journey pain points. Instead, she advocates for metrics that reflect customer engagement, trust, and brand loyalty. Quote: “NPS tells us how likely customers are to recommend a product, but it doesn't reveal the whole story.” 5. Ecosystem thinking in AI implementation A siloed approach to AI often limits its potential impact. Sharbani advises organizations to adopt ecosystem thinking, which includes partnerships and integration across customer journeys. She shares a compelling example of a Canadian health insurer collaborating with supermarkets to reward healthy customer behaviors through AI. Takeaway: Look for opportunities to integrate AI solutions within a broader ecosystem that aligns with customers' lives. Episode Links: dotinfinity's Responsible AI Canvas Sharbani Dhar on LinkedIn dotinfinity website The Casks and Convos podcast

Episode web page ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- Show Notes In this episode of Insights Unlocked, we sit down with Steve Portigal, a seasoned user researcher, author, and host of the Dollars to Donuts podcast, to discuss how the field of user research has evolved over the past 20 years. Steve shares his unique perspective on the significant changes that have shaped the industry, from the rise of in-house research teams to the impact of remote work on research methodologies. He also delves into the crucial difference between analysis and synthesis in research and offers practical advice for improving research outcomes. Whether you're a new researcher or a seasoned expert, Steve's insights will help you navigate the dynamic and sometimes challenging world of UX research. Key Themes and Ideas: The Growth of User Research: Steve reflects on how user research has grown from a niche, obscure practice to a well-established community of professionals. This growth has led to increased knowledge sharing through conferences, books, meetups, and podcasts, creating a stronger foundation for collective learning and debate. The Shift from Agencies to In-House Research Teams: One of the biggest shifts Steve discusses is the transition from research being outsourced to agencies and consultants to now being managed by in-house teams. While this change has brought research closer to the core of business decisions, it has also altered the dynamics of advocacy and how researchers communicate findings within organizations. The Impact of Remote Work and Research: With the rise of remote work, especially during the pandemic, remote research has become the default method. While this has expanded opportunities for inclusion and collaboration, Steve cautions that the loss of in-person interactions may limit researchers' ability to fully understand user behaviors and experiences. The Importance of Synthesis in Research: Steve emphasizes the often-overlooked distinction between analysis and synthesis in research. While analysis involves breaking down information, synthesis requires recombining that data into new insights and frameworks that can drive innovation. Steve provides tips on how researchers can improve their synthesis process by allowing time for deeper exploration and collaboration. Practical Advice for New Researchers: For those new to the field, Steve encourages embracing the growing community of UX researchers. He suggests seeking mentorship, engaging in networking, and experimenting with different ways of participating in the community, whether through writing, podcasts, or small peer groups. Looking Ahead: The Future of Research-Led Companies: Steve offers a thought-provoking idea about the possibility of research-led companies emerging in the future. He imagines a world where research isn't just a service within organizations but a driving force behind product and service innovation. Episode Links: Steve Portigal's Books: Interviewing Users and Doorbells, Danger, and Dead Batteries Dollars to Donuts Podcast Discount Code for Interviewing Users: Use "UNLOCKED" at checkout on Rosenfeld Media for 10% off Steve's Website LinkedIn

Episode web page ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- Show Notes Podcast Episode: Understanding User Needs with Rhiannon White, Chief Product Officer at Clue In this episode of the Insights Unlocked podcast, host Kerry Johnstone from UserTesting sits down with Rhiannon White, the Chief Product Officer at Clue, a women's health app with over 10 million users globally. Rhiannon shares her journey from political marketing and roles at BBC to leading product development at Clue, offering a unique perspective on how diverse experiences shape great product leadership. Key Themes: Career Journey and Curiosity About People: Rhiannon discusses her eclectic career and the common thread of curiosity about human behavior that has driven her work. Whether in marketing or product management, understanding people's needs, problems, and desires has been central to her approach to creating successful user experiences. Bringing Insights to Product Leadership: Rhiannon shares a key moment in her career when she realized that shipping products was not enough—she needed to bring deeper insights to the table. By reconnecting with her passion for user research, she now spends time every week directly interviewing customers, a practice she refers to as her “Friday treat,” to stay grounded in the user experience. Jobs to Be Done Framework: One of the focal points of the conversation is how Clue uses the “Jobs to Be Done” framework to guide product decisions. Rhiannon explains how Clue's users have four core needs: trust, orientation (understanding what's happening to them), empowerment (knowing what actions to take), and comfort (feeling connected and not alone). These “jobs” help the team at Clue prioritize product features that address real user pain points and deliver meaningful value. Understanding Subjective User Needs: An interesting revelation from the framework was the subjectivity around accuracy, where users with highly regular cycles might have different perceptions of accuracy compared to users with irregular cycles. This insight has helped Clue refine its product approach, ensuring that the app remains valuable to a wide range of users. Combining Emotional and Functional Needs: Rhiannon discusses how Clue integrates emotional needs, like trust and comfort, with functional aspects of the product. She gives examples of product features, such as pain tracking, that help users feel validated and connected while also providing actionable insights to improve their health management. User Research as an Ongoing Practice: Instead of thinking of research as project-based, Rhiannon stresses the importance of continuous user research. This iterative approach, including fast unmoderated testing, allows Clue's team to keep refining and improving their product without slowing down development. The Role of AI and Human Connection: While AI is seen as a useful tool for processing data, Rhiannon emphasizes the irreplaceable value of direct human connection in product development. She advocates for staying close to users and cautions against over-relying on abstracted data or tools that disconnect product teams from real user emotions and experiences.

Episode web page ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- Show Notes In this episode of Insights Unlocked, host Sean Treiser sits down with Kelly Erickson, a content designer at Warner Music Group, to explore the nuances of content design and the critical role it plays in shaping user experiences. Kelly shares her career journey, starting as a sports writer and transitioning into content design roles in nonprofit, sports, and tech sectors. With over a decade of experience, she offers rich insights into how content design differs from other design disciplines and the immense value of user and content testing. From her time at Eventbrite, Kelly reveals surprising insights uncovered through content testing and how small changes in language can lead to significant improvements in user engagement. She emphasizes the importance of understanding user motivations and behaviors and how these insights can guide effective content design decisions. Listeners will learn how to balance qualitative and quantitative data, prioritize content testing in fast-paced projects, and maintain brand consistency across various touchpoints. Kelly's practical advice for content designers and UX professionals highlights the long-term impact of a user-centered approach and offers actionable strategies for integrating content testing into design processes. Key Themes and Ideas Discussed: Content Design Journey: Kelly discusses her path from sports writing to content design, reflecting on how her love for words and human behavior led her into the field of UX writing and content design. The Role of Content Design in User Experiences: Kelly highlights how content design is fundamentally different from other design disciplines, emphasizing that without the right words, a design may lose its effectiveness. She underscores the importance of clarity and using language that speaks to the user intuitively and humanly. Power of Content Testing: One of the core ideas Kelly shares is the importance of testing content before it goes live. She provides examples of how simple wording changes during her time at Eventbrite significantly impacted user engagement, including a 30% increase in click-through rates from a headline change. Balancing Qualitative and Quantitative Data: Kelly discusses the balance between qualitative insights from content testing and quantitative data like click-through rates. She explains how each type of data informs content decisions and drives user-centric design. Designing for User Motivation: A key insight Kelly shares is understanding and addressing user motivations. She explains how focusing on what users are trying to accomplish, rather than just delivering a product, can elevate the overall experience. Consistency and Personalization in Content: The episode covers strategies for maintaining a consistent brand voice while tailoring content to different user scenarios. Kelly introduces the concept of a “tone dial,” where the intensity of the brand's tone is adjusted based on the user's interaction. Advice for New Content Designers: Kelly encourages content designers to start testing early, even with time constraints, and to focus on building strong relationships with cross-functional teams like engineers and product managers to drive AB testing and other content experiments. Episode links: Strategic Content Design by Erica Jorgensen Eventbrite's publicly available style guide Find Kelly on LinkedIn: Kelly Erickson LinkedIn

Episode web page ----------------------- The Human Insight Summit (THiS) PROMO Code The Human Insight Summit (THiS) is headed to Austin, Texas, this October 28-30. THiS is our annual, in-person customer conference dedicated to helping organizations understand their customers by showing and sharing, first-hand, the possibilities of using human insight across the business. Get $100 off your registration with the podcast listener code: UNLOCKED. Learn more or register. ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- Show Notes In this episode of Insights Unlocked, host Cornelia Klimek sits down with Shannon Graf, Director of Design Research at Signet Jewelers, to explore her journey in UX research and how her work shapes the digital and in-store experiences for some of the world's top jewelry brands, including Kay, Zales, and Jared.  Shannon offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Signet integrates consumer insights to lead with data-driven decisions that enhance customer satisfaction and drive business outcomes. The conversation covers a range of themes from digital transformation, personalized customer journeys, and the impact of in-store UX research to fostering a strong employee experience within a large organization. Whether you're in UX, product management, or simply interested in digital experiences, this episode is full of actionable insights. Key Themes: The Journey of Saying “Yes” Shannon talks about how saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities, like writing her first nonfiction book during the pandemic, helped her unlock new personal and professional achievements. She shares how this mindset extends into her UX research career and offers advice on how listeners can apply this philosophy in their own lives and work. Consumer Insights Driving Digital Transformation At Signet Jewelers, Shannon and her team leverage deep consumer insights to shape digital experiences for customers. This includes both e-commerce platforms and in-store technologies used by their jewelry consultants. Shannon emphasizes that leading with research and data helps businesses avoid costly mistakes, streamline decision-making, and deliver what customers really need. Personalization and Confidence in Digital Experiences Personalization plays a significant role in Signet's success, especially in the competitive jewelry market where customers want tailored experiences. Shannon explains how their research reveals consumer preferences for personalized shopping journeys and how confidence in a brand can make or break a digital experience. The Importance of Employee Experience Beyond customer insights, Shannon's team also focuses on employee experience research, working closely with internal teams to gather feedback that informs better organizational practices. This effort aligns with Signet's broader vision of creating a positive and empowered workplace culture. Leadership and Aligning UX with Business Objectives Throughout the episode, Shannon shares strategies for connecting UX research outcomes to broader business objectives, helping researchers and designers align their work with what truly matters to the company's bottom line. She provides tips on problem framing, prioritization, and the importance of cultivating strong internal relationships. Episode links:  Nothing but Pavement: Shedding the Should When the Path before You is Not Always the Path You Choose by Shannon Graf Signet Jewelers – Brands include Kay, Zales, Jared, and Banter. Instagram: @ShannonGrafCreative

Episode web page ----------------------- >>> Insights Unlocked audience survey

Episode web page ----------------------- >>> Insights Unlocked audience survey

Episode web page ----------------------- >>> Insights Unlocked audience survey

Episode web page ----------------------- >>> Insights Unlocked audience survey

Episode web page ----------------------- >>> Insights Unlocked audience survey

Episode web page ----------------------- >>> Insights Unlocked audience survey

Episode web page ----------------------- >>> Insights Unlocked audience survey

Episode web page ----------------------- >>> Insights Unlocked audience survey

In this Insights Unlocked episode, Brian Walker shares expert insights on how retailers can master digital commerce this holiday season. From optimizing e-commerce fundamentals to navigating the complexities of retail media and omnichannel strategies, Brian shares invaluable tips to help you stay ahead in a competitive market. Whether you're a retail veteran or new to the game, you won't want to miss this episode!. Episode web page ----------------------- >>> Insights Unlocked audience survey

In the latest episode of Insights Unlocked, Richard Dalton, Head of Design for Consumer at Verizon, shares his framework for designing sustainable customer experiences from how you build the team to nurturing a customer-aware organization.  Episode web page ----------------------- >>> Insights Unlocked audience survey

In this episode, Rebecca Goodman, the Chief Digital Officer at the FDIC, shares her advice for building a team from scratch. Episode web page ----------------------- >>> Insights Unlocked audience survey

In this episode, Nathan Isaacs talks with Anthony Maggio, VP of Product Management at AirTable, about building an AI-powered product development process. Episode web page ----------------------- >>> Insights Unlocked audience survey

In this episode, Nathan Isaacs talks with Mamuna Oladipo, VP of Product at Shopify, about building trust within an organization. Episode web page ----------------------- The Human Insight Summit (THiS) PROMO Code The Human Insight Summit (THiS) is headed to Austin, Texas, this October 28-30. THiS is our annual, in-person customer conference dedicated to helping organizations understand their customers by showing and sharing, first-hand, the possibilities of using human insight across the business. Get $100 off your registration with the podcast listener code: UNLOCKED. Learn more or register. ----------------------- Rate Insights Unlocked and write a review If you appreciate Insights Unlocked, please give it a rating and a review. Visit Apple Podcasts, pull up the Insights Unlocked show page and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Below the trailers, you'll find Ratings and Reviews. Click on a star rating. Scroll down past the highlighted review and click on "Write a Review." You'll make my day. ----------------------- Episode Description: In this insightful episode of Insights Unlocked, we sit down with Mamuna Oladipo, the VP of Product at Shopify. Mamuna shares her wealth of experience from her journey through various tech roles and companies. She delves into the crucial topic of building trust within cross-functional teams and offers practical advice on networking within a company. Whether you're a product manager, UX designer, or an executive, Mamuna's insights on leadership and team dynamics are sure to resonate and provide valuable takeaways. Key Themes and Ideas: Introduction to Mamuna Oladipo: Mamuna introduces herself and shares her background in tech, highlighting her roles in design, product management, engineering, data, and research. Building trust in teams: The importance of building trust slowly and steadily. Tips on how to genuinely understand team dynamics and create personal connections. Emphasizing one-on-one meetings and being fully present to build strong relationships. Networking within a company: Mamuna's strategy for building a robust internal network by meeting different people and seeking further introductions. The significance of maintaining these relationships and periodically checking in. Leadership concerns and strategies: Key concerns for leaders, including team impact and alignment with company goals. The necessity of continuous communication and staying deeply involved in team activities to prevent misalignment. Proactive steps to ensure teams stay on track and avoid long-term issues. Advice for leaders: The importance of knowing your team members and understanding their challenges and workflows. How this understanding drives both individual and team impact, aligning efforts with broader organizational goals. Notable Quotes: "Take the time to learn and understand your team, understand the dynamics. Understand how you can differentiate, just how the team has been operating." "Building a network within the company is vital. You need to have connections to understand the company culture and gather insights." "Ensuring continuous communication and staying ahead of potential issues by being deeply involved in team activities is crucial." Episode Links: Mamuna on LinkedIn Shopify UXDX The First 90 Days Join the Conversation: We'd love to hear your thoughts on today's episode. Join the discussion on our social media channels or leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.

Episode web page ----------------------- The Human Insight Summit (THiS) PROMO Code The Human Insight Summit (THiS) is headed to Austin, Texas, this October 28-30. THiS is our annual, in-person customer conference dedicated to helping organizations understand their customers by showing and sharing, first-hand, the possibilities of using human insight across the business. Get $100 off your registration with the podcast listener code: UNLOCKED. Learn more or register. ----------------------- In this episode of Insights Unlocked, we sit down with Parisa Bazl, Head of UX at Commvault Systems, at a UX conference in New York City. Parisa shares her expert insights on creating scalable design systems that work seamlessly for both designers and developers. She delves into the importance of clear frameworks, the challenges of scaling in large enterprises, and the role of AI in design. Additionally, Parisa discusses the significance of diversity in tech and her efforts to create opportunities for underprivileged youths in the industry. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on bridging the gap between design and development, and the human-centric approach to technology. Key Themes: Scalable Design Systems: Importance of frameworks in scaling design systems. Utilizing object-oriented development to organize patterns and components. Reducing the need for constant guidance between designers and developers. Challenges in Scaling: Addressing the resource disparity in design teams. Strategies to meet demands without extensive handholding. Importance of clear standards and empowering teams. Starting with Key User Flows: Focusing on specific use cases before abstracting patterns. Creating a reference system for future use cases. Overcoming Resistance: Speaking developers' language to ease workload concerns. Ensuring designers understand their ongoing role amidst standardized systems. Role of AI in Design: Potential for automation in design decisions. Emphasizing the human aspect of technology. Using AI as a tool to deliver better user experiences. Diversity in Tech: Importance of diverse viewpoints in technology design. Creating pathways for non-traditional candidates. Parisa's involvement with a program training underprivileged youths in technical skills. Human-Centric Approach: Keeping the focus on human experiences in technology. Adapting to the ever-evolving tech landscape. Guest Bio: Parisa Bazl is the Head of UX at Commvault Systems, specializing in enterprise software applications for data protection, cybersecurity, and cyber resiliency. With a strong background in UX design and a passion for bridging the gap between designers and developers, Parisa brings valuable insights into creating scalable and effective design systems. Episode links: Commvault Systems: Commvault Parisa's LinkedIn: Parisa Bazl Follow Us: LinkedIn: Insights Unlocked Twitter: @InsightsUnlocked YouTube: Insights Unlocked Subscribe & Leave a Review: Don't miss an episode! Subscribe to Insights Unlocked on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review!

Episode web page ----------------------- The Human Insight Summit (THiS) PROMO Code The Human Insight Summit (THiS) is headed to Austin, Texas, this October 28-30. THiS is our annual, in-person customer conference dedicated to helping organizations understand their customers by showing and sharing, first-hand, the possibilities of using human insight across the business. Get $100 off your registration with the podcast listener code: UNLOCKED. Learn more or register. -----------------------

Episode web page ----------------------- The Human Insight Summit (THiS) PROMO Code The Human Insight Summit (THiS) is headed to Austin, Texas, this October 28-30. THiS is our annual, in-person customer conference dedicated to helping organizations understand their customers by showing and sharing, first-hand, the possibilities of using human insight across the business. Get $100 off your registration with the podcast listener code: UNLOCKED. Learn more or register. ----------------------- Episode Description: In this insightful episode recorded at the UXDX conference in New York City, host Nathan Isaacs talks with Jehad Affoneh, the Chief Design Officer at Toast, to delve into an innovative methodology his team employed to enhance the customer experience for Toast's 100,000+ restaurant customers. Toast is a restaurant point of sale and management system that helps restaurants improve operations, increase sales and create a better guest experience. Key Themes: Pulling the Thread Methodology: Addressing complex problems by finding the right thread in a tangled ball of yarn and pulling it to untangle the complexity. Steps to Implement: Identify pain points from both customer and internal perspectives. Find themes within these pain points to locate scalable solutions. Test these solutions with a cohort of customers to validate effectiveness. Challenges in the Restaurant Industry: Restaurants operate in fast-paced, high-stress environments with frequent technical issues. Reflections on the Journey: The rewarding nature of working at Toast, making daily impacts on real people and communities. The satisfaction of seeing long-term projects come to fruition and positively affect customers. Additional Resources: Toast website UXDX Conference UserTesting Subscribe and Follow: Don't forget to subscribe to the Insights Unlocked podcast for more expert insights and tips on designing digital products that people love. Follow us on LinkedIn for updates and more content.

Link to this episode's web page ----------------------- The Human Insight Summit (THiS) PROMO Code The Human Insight Summit (THiS) is headed to Austin, Texas, this October 28-30. THiS is our annual, in-person customer conference dedicated to helping organizations understand their customers by showing and sharing, first-hand, the possibilities of using human insight across the business. Get $100 off your registration with the podcast listener code: UNLOCKED. Learn more or register. ----------------------- Episode Description: In this enlightening episode of Insights Unlocked, host Nathan Isaacs sits down with Karen Hawkins, Principal of Accessible Design at Level Access, during the UXDX conference in New York City. Together, they dive deep into the world of digital accessibility, exploring why it remains a critical yet often overlooked aspect of design. Karen shares valuable insights on how companies can create inclusive digital experiences and the importance of accessibility in today's digital landscape. Key Themes & Takeaways: Introduction to Digital Accessibility: Karen introduces herself and her role at Level Access. The discussion opens with an overview of digital accessibility and its importance in ensuring everyone can execute tasks efficiently, regardless of their abilities or characteristics. Current State of Accessibility: Despite existing laws and guidelines, accessibility issues persist, particularly simple ones like contrast problems. Karen references Web Aim's annual survey, which highlights recurring accessibility issues on top websites. Challenges and Solutions: The need for both grassroots efforts and top-down support to drive meaningful change in accessibility. Importance of conducting audits focusing on people, processes, and tools to benchmark and improve accessibility. Setting realistic, incremental goals for continuous improvement in accessibility practices. Beyond Digital Products: Accessibility extends to organizational culture and practices, including hiring and travel policies. The discussion emphasizes that accessibility is a global issue, supported by laws like the European Accessibility Act and guidelines from the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. Resources and Personal Responsibility: Karen recommends resources like the W3C's introductory courses and Web Aim for those looking to learn more about accessibility. The importance of individuals taking personal responsibility for creating accessible digital content within their organizations. Call to Action: Karen encourages listeners to connect with her on LinkedIn for further resources and insights on accessibility. Final thoughts on fostering a culture of inclusivity and accessibility in every aspect of digital and organizational practices. Connect with Karen Hawkins: LinkedIn: Karen Hawkins (Note: Ensure you find the right Karen Hawkins, not the romance novelist!) Additional Resources: W3C Introductory Course on Accessibility Web Aim

Episode web page ----------------------- The Human Insight Summit (THiS) PROMO Code The Human Insight Summit (THiS) is headed to Austin, Texas, this October 28-30. THiS is our annual, in-person customer conference dedicated to helping organizations understand their customers by showing and sharing, first-hand, the possibilities of using human insight across the business. Get $100 off your registration with the podcast listener code: UNLOCKED. Learn more or register. ----------------------- Special Offer To celebrate her participation in the podcast, Caroline offers a 15% discount on her book "Surveys That Work" from Rosenfeld Media. Use the code CJFORMS24 at checkout, valid through July 2024. ----------------------- Episode Summary: In this episode of the Insights Unlocked podcast, hosts Nathan Isaacs and Mike McDowell are joined by Caroline Jarrett, a leading expert in forms and surveys. Caroline, the author of "Surveys That Work" and "Forms That Work," shares her extensive knowledge on designing effective surveys and forms that yield meaningful insights. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of her consultancy Effortmark, Caroline delves into best practices, common pitfalls, and the evolving role of AI in survey methodologies. Key Themes: Importance of interviews before surveys: Caroline emphasizes starting with interviews to understand the vocabulary and concerns of potential respondents. Interviews help refine survey questions and ensure they resonate with the target audience. Focus on the Most Crucial Question(s): The discussion highlights the need to identify and prioritize the most crucial questions in a survey. Avoiding lengthy and overwhelming surveys helps maintain respondent engagement and yields more reliable data. Iterative testing and design: Caroline and Mike stress the importance of iterative testing in survey design. Continuous refinement based on feedback ensures that surveys are effective and user-friendly. Impact of AI on surveys: The role of AI in surveys is explored, noting that while AI can enhance data processing, human oversight is crucial for interpreting complex responses. Caroline shares her early experiences with AI in forms, providing a historical perspective on its development. Practical tips for form design: The episode includes practical tips for optimizing form design, such as placing confirmatory fields below the initial input fields to reduce errors. Caroline advocates for avoiding placeholder text inside input boxes, as it can lead to confusion and mistakes. Guest Information: Caroline Jarrett on LinkedIn Website: Effortmark Social Media: Caroline is active on LinkedIn and Blue Sky, and occasionally checks Twitter as @CJForms. Special Offer: Caroline offers a 15% discount on her book "Surveys That Work" from Rosenfeld Media. Use the code CJFORMS24 at checkout, valid through July 2024. Additional Resources: Caroline's website provides access to various resources, including a free poster titled "Listen First, Ask Second." For more insights, listeners can explore Caroline's articles and presentations on form and survey design. Blog: 4 methods for designing truly engaging customer surveys Connect with Us: Nathan Isaacs: Senior Manager for Content Production at UserTesting Mike McDowell: Senior Solutions Consultant at UserTesting, known for his UX research videos on LinkedIn and YouTube. Subscribe & Follow: Stay updated with the latest episodes and insights by subscribing to Insights Unlocked on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on social media for more updates and behind-the-scenes content.